Perhaps it all began with a schism. The Igreja Nova Apostólica stands as a testament to a fascinating chapter in Christian history. This church’s roots trace back to 1863 in Hamburg. It emerged from a split within the Catholic Apostolic Church.
Let’s rewind to the 1830s. Pastor Edward Irving and his followers sought a revival. They wanted to restore the Apostolic Church. This led to the formation of the Catholic Apostolic Church. Apostles were appointed through prophecies. Twelve apostles organized the new church in London in 1835. Missionaries spread the word and a group formed in Germany in 1848.
Now, the plot thickens. When some Catholic Apostolic Church apostles died, a disagreement arose. The church didn’t allow new appointments. Heinrich Geyer in northern Germany argued for replacements because the Second Coming hadn’t occurred. He began choosing successors.
Excommunication followed. These dissidents formed a new church. It was initially called Allgemeine christliche apostolische Mission. Later it adopted the name Igreja Nova Apostólica. Geyer didn’t remain leader. Apostle F. W. Schwartz took over in 1878. He brought Calvinist influences. Schwartz changed some doctrines. This further distinguished the church from its English origins. Fritz Krebs succeeded him. He declared himself the first Chief Apostle. This gave him authority over all other apostles.
The Igreja Nova Apostólica arrived in Brazil with German immigrants. The first service took place in São Paulo’s Santana neighborhood in November 1927. An apostle first visited in 1930. He performed the first holy sealing. In 1934, they built the Congregação de Santa Clara. It was the first Igreja Nova Apostólica built in South America.
During World War II, the German language was prohibited in Brazil. Divine Services then switched to Portuguese. In 2002, the church’s northern and southern regions united. This created the Igreja Nova Apostólica do Brasil. They instituted their first District Apostle.
The Igreja Nova Apostólica follows a structured hierarchy. A Chief Apostle leads it. There are also apostles, bishops, district elders, pastors, and local evangelists. It is divided into districts. District Apostles lead these. Districts comprise several congregations. Globally, there are over 55,000 congregations. They have 9.38 million members. A large portion of these live in Africa. About 240,000 ministers serve under 358 apostles.
The Igreja Nova Apostólica observes three sacraments. These are Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing and Holy Communion. Holy Sealing involves an apostle laying on hands. The Second Coming of Christ is central to its teachings. Its doctrines align with mainstream Christianity. Its liturgy resembles Protestantism. Its hierarchy mirrors the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, the Igreja Nova Apostólica considers itself neither Protestant nor Catholic. It is a central church in the Irvingian Christian tradition.